Yamaha Motor Australia has recently added to its impressive lineup
of learner models by revealing the all new four cylinder FZ6R.
Based on the popular XJ series of middleweights, the FZ6R is
powered by an inline four cylinder 600cc engine and sports a full
fairing and neat midship muffler.
The seamless delivery of this power combined with compact
dimensions, light weight and neutral steering make the FZ6R an
ideal entry level machine. It is available in Pearl White/Rapid Red
or Raven colour schemes.
The FZ6R joins a formidable lineup of learner legal Yamaha
motorcycles that includes the WR450F enduro bike, XTZ660 Tenere
adventure bike, XT660R on-off roader, XVS650/A cruiser and both the
TMAX and Majesty super scooters. All Yamaha models under the 600cc
category automatically qualify.
This all-new 600 is one of the coolest and most desirable models
in the important LAM category, and is powered by an inline
4-cylinder engine that is tuned to deliver responsive low to
mid-range torque for fun, easy riding. With its strong flow of
smooth handling power, this cool new 600 is a genuine all rounder,
designed to make the rider feel equally at home in town, on twisty
back roads and on the highway.
The lightweight, slim and compact new chassis features a low
seat height, making the FZ6R an ideal machine for both new and
experienced riders of all ages who want a stylish middleweight that
can handle just about any situation. Designed to offer high levels
of response, the easily controlled FZ6R is a bike that everyone
will want to ride… an all level machine ready
to step up from entry level when you are. And the contemporary
design of the new chassis and bodywork underlines its position as a
capable and attractive package.
The FZ6R combines a compact, rider-friendly chassis design and
agile handling to ensure that this new 600 offers a truly special
ride quality. Because of a high level of riding enjoyment and
outstanding overall performance, the new FZ6R looks set to
establish itself as a real favourite with a wide range of new
owners.
Engine features
A 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine was
developed with linear performance to power the nimble handling
machine. The engine has a bore x stroke of 65.5 x 44.5mm and a high
compression ratio of 12.2: 1.
This is a new power unit that optimises the entire flow from the
intake of the fuel-air mixture to combustion and exhaust. The
cylinder head, crankcase, intake and exhaust system and clutch and
shifter have been completely redesigned, creating a power unit with
an entirely new character.
And the introduction of the latest vibration analysis technology
for the chassis mount has contributed to making the ride extremely
comfortable, with a minimum of vibration felt by the rider.
New cylinder head and cam profile
The cylinder head exhibits good gas flow during low valve lift by
using a slim port shape while a throttle body diameter of 32mm has
been adopted in order to optimise the intake flow volume.
The cam profile has been updated to match the new port shape. In
addition to establishing a narrow overlap setting of
34º where both the intake valve and exhaust valve are
open, the maximum valve lift is 6.6mm, enable the high compression
ratio and high torque characteristics to be efficiently extracted
in the low and middle rpm ranges. This is an important element in
achieving good throttle control in the 4000 to 5000 rpm range.
The adoption of a narrow overlap angle minimises blow-by of
unburned gas, promoting superior combustion. When combined with
optimal settings for the ignition system and fuel injection system,
this contributes to easy handling in the low and mid rpm ranges and
good fuel economy.
One piece cylinder body
A newly designed cylinder body, which is formed as one piece with
the upper crankcase, has been adopted, ensuring optimum rigidity
balance. The cylinders are ceramic composite plated. Because the
liner, which has a different coefficient of thermal expansion, can
be omitted, superior heat dissipation is ensured.
Even though this component is large and has a complicated shape
integral with the upper side, unique Yamaha high-speed plating
technology has been introduced in order to enable only the required
surfaces on the cylinder walls to be plated.
Forged aluminium pistons adopted
Lightweight forged aluminum pistons are adopted. Because the
aluminium alloy is heated and formed under pressure without having
to melt it completely as in casting, the strength of the original
metallurgic matrix of the aluminium is maintained. As a result, a
forged piston is stronger than a cast one and can thus be lighter,
which contributes to a reduction in vibration.
Mapping optimised for fuel injection
Mapping has been optimised in accordance with the new engine
specifications, with a focus on ease of handling in the ranges
where the engine is operated. The injectors are four-hole
two-direction high dynamic range type, and superior injection
control is achieved with a compact 32-bit ECU.
Midship muffler with three-way catalytic converter and
O2 feedback control adopted
The exhaust pipes converge in a midship muffler. A three-way
catalytic converter has been adopted for the compact midship
muffler, which is located in the lower portion in the centre of the
chassis. Signals from an O2 sensor that detects the residual oxygen
concentration in the exhaust gas is fed back to the ECU in order to
provide optimum fuel supply and in turn enable the catalytic
converter to function effectively.
The midship muffler is a three-stage expansion type, providing
good silencing, a sweet exhaust sound and aids the overall
impression of concentration of mass in the machine design.
Newly designed clutch and shifter
In order to imporve ease of operation, the clutch and shifter are
newly designed. The shift system has been moved from the left side
to the right side of the crankcase, and updating of the components
has resulted in superior shifting. A new crankcase was adopted in
order to facilitate this optimal layout.
An inner push type clutch release mechanism has been adopted to
improve operating ease and achieve a strong appearance. Due to its
smooth characteristics and large degree of freedom in setting the
lever ratio, when the inner push type clutch is engaged, it
features superior contrast, and contributes to a good feel when it
is halfway engaged.
Newly designed diamond-shaped frame
Yamaha engineers have created a newly designed diamond-shaped steel
frame made of high-tensile pipes. The main pipes are 31.8mm in
diameter and 2.3mm thick. A simple design with a minimum of bending
and welds has been adopted and good rigidity around the head and
pivot points. The engine is supported on four points with a rigid
mount on this frame, enabling the engine to contribute to the
strength of the chassis. Lateral rigidity has been balanced at a
relatively low level in order to contribute to smooth cornering
performance.
The structure of this frame contributes to the low seat height,
which enables a wide range of riders to reach the ground with both
feet.
Easy handling dimensions
In order to enhance the smoothness of the ride and comfort, the
dimensions around the front of the bike have been optimised. The
FZ6R has a caster angle of 26° and trail of 103.5mm,
contributing to the sweet feeling the rider gets when steering the
bike.
Inner located swingarm bracket
A steel pipe with a square section has been adopted for the
swingarm, providing superior rigidity balance. A structure has been
used where the bracket that supports this rear arm is located
inside the swingarm, helping make the body design slimmer.
41mm inner tube adopted for front forks
A conventional type front suspension has been adopted with 41mm
inner tubes. The handlebar crown that supports this is made from
die-cast aluminum, and a forged steel part is used for the under
bracket, providing superior cushioning performance and a good
feeling with the ground around the front wheel.
The rear suspension is lightweight and contributes to the
centralisation of mass, and a mono-cross suspension has been
adopted to provide wheel travel higher than the shock unit stroke.
Superior road hugging performance has been achieved with optimum
design damping force valves and oil channels.
Lightweight 520 chain with a minimum of friction
loss
A 520 chain has been adopted for the drive chain. It features a
minimum of friction loss, and a reduction in the drag load provides
good transmission of power. The sprocket specifications have been
optimised to match the chain. In addition, the rear axle has a
smaller diameter of 17mm, reducing overall weight.
Front/rear brakes provide superior feeling of
control
The front brakes have lightweight design 45mm thick and 298mm
diameter double discs. Hoses with an optimised coefficient of
expansion have been adopted for this model, enhancing operating
ease when initially braking.
The rear brake uses a 245mm disc, and the relationship between
the pedal lever ratio and return spring force constant has been
optimised, helping to generate braking force that is in proportion
to the amount the pedal is depressed. Furthermore, the pads are
semi-metal type, and the material has been re-examined in order to
make the brakes easier to use.
Radial tyres adopted on front and rear
The front radial tyre is a 120/70R 17inch and the rear radial tyre
is a 160/16R 17inch.
New cast wheels adopted
Newly designed cast wheels have been adopted where the balance of
specific strength and rigidity have been optimised. While they
centralise the mass by means of a lightweight design, they also
optimise the gyro moment around the front of the bike, and
contribute to agile handling.
Cutting edge style
FZ6R body styling is an expression of the design goal of creating a
leisure sports model with brisk performance and easy handling.
There were three key phrases that were kept in mind in creating the
styling and sculptured design. These were responsiveness, every day
usability and timeless value.
In addition to working to embody the above concepts, two points
were established in order to provide the FZ6R with a distinct type
of appeal. 1) The visualisation of a newly designed frame and 2)
Creating a new form balance by locating the rear arm bracket on the
inside. All of these elements are realised three dimensionally.
In addition to providing excitement for the rider, this bike is
designed for virtually any situation, without being limited by
region or culture, season or weather, or by the road environment or
other elements. It has a brand of styling that cuts a brisk and
refreshing image wherever it goes.
Other features
- New meter panel (provided with digital display speedometer,
analog tachometer, odometer/tripmeter, fuel gauge, water coolant
and air temperature gauges)
- Superior shine of exterior coating prevents scratches from
standing out. (front fender, side covers, etc.)
- Aluminium foot rest bracket
- U-shaped lockable storage compartment beneath seat. For U-lock
up to 300 mm in length.
- Adjustable handlebar position adopted (Centre of handlebar
holder is offset by 10mm to the front/rear, so the position can be
changed by 20mm by rotating it 180°)
FZ6R model overview
- Easy-handling, dynamic and stylish new middleweight
- Rider-friendly linear power characteristics
- Slim and lightweight handling feel
- Ideal balance of controllability and performance
- Sports based 600cc engine
- Plenty of low to mid-range torque
- Compact and attractive chassis
- Contemporary bodywork design give cool, light and agile
roadster look
- Outstanding levels of fun, enjoyment and performance
- Full weather cheating fairing
Engine technical highlights
- 600cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder 4-valve DOHC
- Newly-developed high-compression cylinder head
- Slimmer inlet ports
- Cam profile designed for strong and linear low to mid-range
torque
- One-piece cylinder and upper crankcase for good rigidity
- Bore x stroke 65.5 mm x 44.5 mm
- Lightweight forged aluminium pistons
- Four-hole two-direction fuel injection system
- 4-2-1 exhaust with midship muffler located beneath chassis
- 3-way catalyser and exhaust O2 sensor
- New inner-push type clutch for easy action
- Redesigned shift mechanism for smooth and easy gear
changing
Chassis technical highlights
- Newly-designed high-tensile steel diamond-type frame
- Idealised balance of lateral rigidity for strong cornering
performance
- 1440mm wheelbase
- Easy-handling caster angle of 26 degrees and 103.5mm trail
- Hexagonal slimline fuel tank with comfortable knee-grip
area
- New slimline swingarm with inner bracket design
- 41mm diameter conventional front forks
- Monocross rear suspension
- 17 litre fuel tank capacity
- Low 785 mm seat height
- Lightweight 298 mm front discs and 245 mm rear disc, thickness
4.5mm
- 120/70-ZR17 front tyre and 160/60-ZR17 rear tyre
- Lightweight, low-drag 520 chain
- Newly-designed lightweight cast wheels
- Timeless new styling emphasises concentration of mass
- New multi-function instrumentation
- Adjustable handlebar position
Available colours
Pearl White/Rapid Red
Raven
Accessories
Yamaha will offer a range of accessories created specifically for
the FZ6R, and the line-up is available from authorised Yamaha
dealers.
The accessory range includes:
Aluminium rear carrier
Centre stand
Engine guard
City tank bag
Roller protectors
Tank pad
46-litre top case
Inner bag for top case
Back rest for top case